Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
1
Executive Summary
Study Objective and Methodology: The objective of this study is to identify sustainable
destination management strategies, compare sustainable destination management strategies
and practices in the OIC Member States with global best practices, and provide policy
recommendations for the OIC Member States. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
recommends that “sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and
host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as
leading to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic
needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes,
biological diversity and life support systems”.1 In this study, we submit that effective sustainable
destination management adopts strategies aimed at increasing awareness of sustainability
issues at the destination level, the protection of natural and cultural heritage assets,
management of environmental impacts, managing demand and seasonality effects, and ensuring
community well-being and tourist satisfaction.
The study used both primary and secondary research tools and sources to fulfill its objective.
The secondary sources used include previous market studies, academic articles and research
papers, government, regional, international organizations, and press publications. The primary
research tools comprised of in-depth interviews, an online stakeholders’ survey, and seven case
studies. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted in person and by telephone with
respondents from destination management organizations and other tourism stakeholders to
provide insights into best practices in sustainable tourism. Furthermore, a survey with 292
respondents was conducted online in October 2018 to understand the importance of sustainable
tourism strategies to tourism stakeholders, and seven country case studies to provide insights
into sustainable tourism strategies and practices.
Report Key Findings
The need for Sustainable Tourism: Governments around the globe have realized that tourism
can have a negative impact on a destination’s natural assets. Local communities in many
destinations have become vocal protesting perceived negative effects of tourism. In a number of
European cities such as Barcelona and Amsterdam, local communities have led protests calling
for protection against congestion and low air quality.2 It is forecasted that tourism growth up to
2050, without further interventions to ensure sustainability, will lead to an increase of 111% in
energy consumption, 105% in greenhouse gas emissions, 150% in water consumption, and
252% in solid waste disposal. However, with targeted efforts in the energy and water efficiency
areas, emissions mitigation and solid waste management, this scenario could be reversed with
a reduction of 18% in water consumption, 44% in energy supply and demand, and 52% in
carbon dioxide emissions.3 In recognition of the negative effects of tourism and the importance
1 Díaz, M., R., & Rodríguez, T., F., E., (2016). Determining the sustainability factors and performance of a tourism destination
from the stakeholders’ perspective. Sustainability 8(9), 951-968.
2 The Economist Intelligence Unit. (2017). The sustainable tourism index: Enhancing the global travel environment . Retrieved
from
3 UNEP. (2011). Towards a green economy: Pathways to sustainable development and poverty eradication - A synthesis for
policy makers. Retrieved from